Suggested Weight Distribution and Brake Controller for 1993 Suburban Towing Horse Trailer

Question:

Hi, I have recently purchased a trailer and would like to know if you offer a tow system that will suit my needs. Also, do you setup/install ? Trailer: 2005 CM Endurance 2 horse straight load steel with 2 #3500 axles,emergency breakaway system, electric brakes the truck will need a brake controller installed and an adapter for the wiring. The dry weight of the trailer is 2810 lbs. Tow vehicle: 1993 Chevy suburban 454 7.4L V-8 3/4 ton 4x4. V-5 Suburban hitch rating max distributing weight trailer 10,000, tongue 1,000. I only expect to be hauling one horse that weighs about 900lbs, but should consider the possibility of hauling two . I will put some gear in the trailer tack compartment saddles with most of our stuff going in the cargo space of the suburbanthird row seat is removed. Most trips will be under 200 miles from home but will include driving on the interstate.

asked by: kim

Expert Reply:

The dry weight of the trailer, 2810 lbs, a 900 lb horse with the possibility of another plus gear would place your maximum loaded trailer weight somewhere in the neighborhood of 5000 pounds. When calculating the necessary capacity of a weight distribution system, the weight of any cargo loaded in the tow vehicle behind the rear axle needs to be considered as well. The 5000 pound figure also includes an estimated 400 lbs of gear both in the trailer and in the rear of the tow vehicle.

Given this trailer weight, we must then estimate the tongue weight of the trailer. A trailers tongue weight is typically 10-15 percent of the weight of the trailer, which would place us in the range of 500-750 lbs. I would recommend the Reese High Performance Trunnion System, part # RP66021. This system is specifically designed for trailers with tongue weights ranging from 400 to 800 lbs.

For a brake controller, I would recommend the Tekonsha Prodigy P2, part # 90885. The Prodigy is our best selling brake controller, it is very user friendly and is easy to set up. To install the controller, you will need a Brake Controller Install Kit. If your trailer uses the 6-way connector, use part # ETBC6, or # ETBC7 for the 7-way connector. If your Suburban does not currently have a 4-pole trailer connector, you will also need the T-1 Vehicle Wiring Harness, part # C55319 to tap into the lighting circuits on the Suburban.

We have some online resources to assist with the installation, including some install videos. I will link to these below.

We do install brake controllers and weight distribution systems, but only at our Distribution Facility in Wentzville, MO. Any qualified mechanic should be able to do this for you.